Foot Support Article

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper defining a foot cavity, and a brace member. The brace member is comprised of a non-elastic resilient material. The brace member is positioned within a pocket in the upper and extends from a heel portion to above an ankle portion of the upper. The brace member may be provided with a top plate member and a base plate member with a central shaft extending between the top plate member and the base plate member. The central shaft may have a C-shape that curves around an ankle of a human foot positioned within the foot cavity.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/157,023, filed Jun. 9, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/111,704, filed May 19, 2011, whichclaims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/357,075 filedon Jun. 21, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear, and,more particularly, to articles of footwear having foot support members.

BACKGROUND

Ankle stability is a key and critical need from athletes and users whodeal with lateral motion. There exists a need to provide a simple andlightweight cleat or shoe for athletes in order to offer better supportfor the foot and ankle region of a user wearing the cleat. Athletes andusers take a tremendous amount of time and effort to tape and spat theirfeet, as well as add additional ankle and foot support braces. The anklesupport systems add weight to a footwear system in which lightness ishighly desired.

Injuries to the ankle are estimated to account for 15-20% of allmusculoskeletal injuries, with approximately 85% being ankle sprains.The most common mechanism of injury is excessive Inversion, coupled withPlantar Flexion—approximately 75-80% involve the lateral ligamentcomplex, primarily the Anterior Talofibular Ligament.

Typically, ankle sprains occur in 40-100 ms. Compared to average musclelatencies: reported latency of 69-85 ms, with approximately 90-110 ms toreach half max force, and an average of 250 ms to reach peak torquegeneration, the body is not able to adequately respond to an unexpectedinversion. In comparison, during running, the stance phase lasts 200-250ms, and the calf muscles are activated approximately 150 ms prior toheel impact, allowing the ankle adequate time to stabilize.

Players with a history of ankle sprains are 2-3 times more likely tohave a recurrent injury than players without history of ankle injuries.Use of bracing or taping, as well as proprioceptive training have beenshown to reduce the level of recurrence to the levels of players withouthistory of injury.

In general, both bracing (lace-up and semi-rigid) and taping have beenshown to reduce both the frequency and severity of ankle sprains duringathletic activities. Semi-rigid braces tend to have a more positiveeffect for individuals with a history of ankle sprains than for athleteswithout history. Such lacing and taping methods currently used are timeconsuming and a waste of resources. Upon the completion of use, the usercuts off and discards the taping. This process increases the time andcost of providing support for the foot and ankle during athleticactivities. Thus, improvements to support members that brace the footand ankle of a person wearing the bracing are beneficial.

SUMMARY

In at least one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a sole, anupper defining a foot cavity, and a brace member. The brace member iscomprised of a non-elastic resilient material. The brace member ispositioned within a pocket in the upper and extends from a heel portionto above an ankle portion of the upper.

In at least one embodiment, the brace member includes a top plate memberand a base plate member with a central shaft extending between the topplate member and the base plate member. The central shaft portion may bea C-shaped shaft that extends around a rear portion of an ankle of awearer (i.e., a dorsal side of the ankle). The C-shaped shaft portionincludes an inflection point that is wider than other portions of theC-shaped shaft.

In at least one embodiment, an article of footwear comprises a sole anda shoe upper connected to the sole. The shoe upper and the sole define afoot cavity configured to receive a human foot. Laces are positioned onthe upper and configured to tighten the shoe upper on the human foot. Anelastic wrap member is positioned in the foot cavity. The elastic wrapmember is configured to stretch and when the laces tighten the upper onthe human foot. In at least one embodiment, the elastic wrap memberincludes a cradle portion that extends from a heel portion to a topportion of the upper within the foot cavity and is configured to onlypartially surround the human foot within the foot cavity.

The above described features and advantages, as well as others, willbecome more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art byreference to the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings. While it would be desirable to provide an apparatus thatprovides one or more of these or other advantageous features as may beapparent to those reviewing this disclosure, the teachings disclosedherein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of anyappended claims, regardless of whether they include or accomplish one ormore of the advantages or features mentioned herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a cutaway medial side view illustrating the placement oftension members in an article of footwear.

FIG. 1B is a cutaway lateral side view illustrating the placement oftension members in the article of footwear depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a side view illustrating the medial side of the article offootwear depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2B is a side view illustrating the lateral side of the article offootwear depicted in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 3 is a top view of tensioning members positioned above the forefootin the article of footwear depicted in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

FIG. 4 is a side view of adjustment members in the article of footweardepicted in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

FIG. 5 is a view of the tensioning members that are configured to engagea midfoot portion of a foot in the article footwear depicted in FIG. 2Aand FIG. 2B.

FIG. 6 is a view of tensioning members that are configured to engage anankle in the article of footwear depicted in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

FIG. 7 is a view of an inner layer surrounding a sole of a foot in thearticle of footwear depicted in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

FIG. 8 is a view of a tensioning strap and support members positionedaround an upper portion of a foot and ankle in the article of footweardepicted in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of footwear thatincludes support members incorporated into the footwear.

FIG. 10 is a cutaway side view illustrating horizontal and verticalsupports on the medial and lateral sides of the article of footweardepicted in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cutaway side view of the medial and lateral sides of analternative article of footwear illustrating channels that enablemovement of tensioning members depicted in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12A is a posterior view illustrating an inner layer and stabilizingmember for a heel in an article of footwear.

FIG. 12B is lower posterior perspective view of the inner layer andstabilizing member for a heel depicted in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C is an anterior view of the inner layer and stabilizing memberfor an ankle depicted in FIG. 12A-FIG. 12B.

FIG. 12D is a medial side view of the article of footwear depicted inFIG. 12A-FIG. 12C illustrating the position of an ankle stabilizingmember.

FIG. 12E is a lateral side view of an inner layer and stabilizing memberfor an ankle in the article of footwear depicted in FIG. 12A-FIG. 12D.

FIG. 13 is a partial cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of thearticle of footwear of FIG. 1A illustrating an alternative tensioningstrap arrangement.

FIG. 14 is a partial cutaway view illustrating an alternativearrangement of tensioning members in an article of footwear.

FIG. 15 is an illustration depicting tensioning members attached to astrap in an article of footwear.

FIG. 16 is an illustration depicting the positions of tensioning strapsand a support member in another alternative embodiment of an article offootwear.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a tensioning strap in a medial side andlateral side of an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear.

FIG. 18A is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of an articleof footwear including an elastic wrap member positioned in the footcavity.

FIG. 18B shows a side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18C shows a perspective view of the foot cavity of the article ofFIG, 18A with the elastic wrap member positioned in the foot cavity.

FIG. 19A is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of an articleof footwear including support braces carried by the shoe upper.

FIG. 19B shows a side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 19C shows a view of a pocket in the shoe upper carrying the supportbrace of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 19D shows a view of an outer face of the support brace of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 19E shows a view of an inner face of the support brace of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 19F shows a perspective view of the support brace of FIG. 19A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For a general understanding of the details for the footwear disclosedherein, the drawings are referenced throughout this document. In thedrawings, like reference numerals designate like elements. As usedherein the term “foot” may refer to a portion of the human foot, a fullhuman foot, and to the ankle. Various portions of the foot include, butare not limited to, the forefoot, midfoot, upper foot, heel, and ankle.The terms “medial” and “medial side” refer to the inner side of a footextending from the large toe to the heel, and the terms “lateral” and“lateral side” refer to the outer side of the foot extending from thesmall toe to the heel. The term “user” may refer to a person wearing anarticle of footwear or another person such as an athletic trainer. Theuser may adjust the article of footwear to apply compression and supportto the foot as described herein.

Article of Footwear with Tensioning Members

FIGS. 1A-8 depict an article of footwear, embodied here as a cleat 10,having an inner layer 12 positioned inside of an outer shell 13(illustrated by dotted line 13 in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B). FIG. 1A depictsthe medial side of cleat 10, while FIG. 1B depicts the lateral side ofthe cleat 10. FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B depict the cleat 10 including featuresomitted from FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B for clarity. Cleat 10 includes an innerlayer 12 that conforms to the foot and ankle region of a user. The cleat10 includes tensioning members 16 that may be adjusted by the user ofthe cleat 10 to provide compression to various portions of the foot 14after the foot 14 is inserted into the cleat 10. Tensioning members 16include forefoot tensioning members 16A-16B, midfoot tensioning members20A-20B, upper foot tensioning members 30A-30B, and tensioning straps52, as explained below. Cleat 10 may be worn on a foot 14 that isinserted inside of the cleat 10. While the illustrations of FIG. 1A-FIG.1B depict different numbers of tensioning members than FIG. 2A-FIG. 2B,it will be understood that these figures depict the same embodiment ofan article of footwear and that the different numbers of tensioningmembers 16 seen in FIG. 1A-FIG. 1B are simply intended to illustratethat different numbers and arrangements of tensioning members 16 arepossible within various embodiments of the article of footwear. WhileFIG. 1A-FIG. 2B depict a cleat 10 with one or more spikes 17 or otherprojections, alternative embodiments may include any suitable shoe,footwear, boot, and other articles that may be worn around the ankleand/or foot.

The inner layer 12 may be comprised of any material that provides theuser with comfort and functionality. Such materials include, but are notlimited to, compression fabrics, polypropylenes, webbing, neoprene,elastane, synthetics, and the like. The inner layer 12 may be formed asa flexible boot or sock that conforms to the foot and ankle. The innerlayer 12 accommodates the foot 14 and is configured to fit snugly aboutthe foot and ankle 14. As seen in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, one or moresleeves 19 may be affixed to the inner layer 12. The sleeve 19 separatesthe tensioning members 16 from the outer shell 13 and includes one ormore channels 27. Channels 27 enclose the tensioning members 16 toenable tightening and loosening of the tensioning members 16 and toprevent tangling of the different tensioning members 16 in the articleof footwear 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the article offootwear 10 provides a channel for each tensioning member in the articleof footwear, but alternative configurations may include channels 27 foronly a limited number of the tensioning members 16.

The outer shell 13 may be formed from one or more flexible materialsthat enclose some or all of the inner layer 12. Such materials include,but are not limited to, natural and synthetic leather, fabrics includingnylon and canvas, rubber, and plastics. The outer shell 13 includes alower portion or sole 15 that is attached to an upper portion 25,referred to as an “upper” that is attached to the sole 15. The sole 15and upper 25 form a volume that is referred as a “foot cavity”. The footcavity accommodates the foot of a person wearing the cleat 10. The footcavity also holds the inner layer 12 and portions of the tensioningmembers 16. In various alternative embodiments described below,different support members and stabilizing members are also positionedinside the foot cavity. The inner layer 12 may be permanently attachedto the outer shell 13 of the cleat 10, or alternatives the outer shell13 may be selectively removable from the inner layer 12 to aid infitting the cleat 10 to the foot.

As shown in FIG. 1A-FIG. 8, the plurality of tensioning members 16,include forefoot tensioning members 16A and 16B, midfoot tensioningmembers 20A and 20B, upper foot tensioning members 30A and 30B, andtensioning straps 50A and 50B. Each of the tensioning members 16 may beadjusted to apply a selected compressive force to a corresponding regionof the foot 14 inside of the cleat 10. As exemplified by forefoottensioning member 16B in FIG. 1A, each of the tensioning members 16 incleat 10 has a first end 16B₁ attached to the inner layer 12 inside ofthe foot cavity, and a second end 16B₂ that extends to a positionoutside of the foot cavity and the outer shell 13, depicted with adotted line in FIG. 1A-FIG. 1B. In the example embodiment of cleat 10,the end 16B₂ that extends outside of the outer shell 13 is attached to atab 18B. Tab 18B is one of the tension adjustment members 18 shown withcleat 10. The tension adjustment members 18 provide a surface that theuser may grip to tighten or loosen the tensioning members 16 that areattached to the corresponding tab 18. The tension adjustment members 18are also configured to be secured to the outer shell 13 or otherwiselocked in place in order to enable the tensioning members 16 to continueto apply a compressive force to the foot 14 after the user adjusts andreleases the tensioning members 16. The tensioning members 16 includedin cleat 10 are described in more detail below.

The exemplary embodiment of cleat 10 includes two sets of crisscrossingforefoot tensioning members 16A and 16B. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2Bas well as FIGS. 3, and 4, forefoot tensioning members 16A-16B arelocated on a forefoot region of the cleat 10. FIG. 1B depicts one set offorefoot tensioning members 16A that are attached to the lateral side ofthe inner layer 12 and cross to the medial side of the cleat 10. FIG. 1Adepicts another set of the forefoot tensioning members 16B that areattached to the medial side of the inner layer 12 and cross to thelateral side of the cleat 10. The tensioning members 16A and 16B areshown as straps formed from an inelastic fabric material. Alternativetensioning member configurations may use one or more members formed froman elastic or inelastic material, including one or more elastic bandsthat are configured to stretch in response to tension. FIG. 2A-FIG. 3depict the tensioning members 16A and 16B arranged in a crisscrosspattern. The ends of each set of tensioning members 16A and 16Bpositioned outside of the outer shell 13 are affixed to one of a pair offorefoot tabs 18A and 18B, respectively. The forefoot tabs 18A and 18Beach engage with one of corresponding fastening pads 40A and 40B,respectively, positioned on the outer shell 13 of the cleat 10.

As best shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, 2A-2B, and 4, tabs 18A and 18B include ahoop or loop material on an inner side designed to engage an opposinghook and loop material on the fastening pads 40A and 40B. The hooks maybe either unidirectional or multidirectional. Fastening pads 40A and 40Bare examples of fastening locations, which are predetermined locationspositioned on the outer shell 13 that are configured to fasten one ormore tensioning members in place. In lieu of to the hook and loopmaterial, any fastener that holds the tabs 18 in position with respectto the outer shell 13 may be used including, for example, nanoadhesivematerials, and snap closures. The tensioning members 16 may includeridged structures that engage a ratcheting fastening location to enablethe tensioning member to lock in place. A lever or dial may providemechanical advantage to enable application of force to tighten andloosen tensioning member.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A-FIG. 2B, in conjunction with FIG. 5, midfoottensioning members 20A and 20B are located in a midfoot region of thecleat 10. The midfoot tensioning members 20A are attached to the lateralside of the inner layer 12 and extend to the medial side of the outershell 13 terminating in midfoot tab 22A. The midfoot tensioning members20B are attached to the medial side of the inner layer 12 and extend tothe lateral side of the outer shell 13 terminating in midfoot tab 22B.FIG. 5 depicts midfoot tensioning members 20B stitched to member 23Bthat attaches the tensioning members 20B to the inner layer 12. Themidfoot tensioning members 22A and 22B are arranged in a crisscrosspattern across the midfoot region. Midfoot tabs 22A-22B are configuredto engage with a corresponding attachment pad 40A-40B positioned on theouter shell 13 in a similar manner to the forefoot tensioning members16A-16B.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A-FIG. 2B in conjunction with FIG. 6 and FIG. 8,upper foot tensioning members 30A and 30B are located in an ankle andupper foot region of the cleat 10. The upper foot tensioning members 30Aare attached to the lateral side of the inner layer 12 and cross to themedial side, terminating in an upper foot tab 32A. Upper foot tensioningmembers 30B are attached to the medial side of the inner layer 12 andextend to the lateral side, terminating in a second upper foot tab 32B.The upper foot tensioning members 30A and 30B are arranged in acrisscross pattern across the upper foot region. Upper foot tabs 32A and32B have a hook and loop material on an inner side and outer side ofeach tab. The hook and loop material on the inner side fastens to acorresponding hook and loop fastener positioned on the outer shell 13.The hook and loop material on the outer side of each of the upper foottabs 32 provides a fastening location for one of the tensioning straps50A and 50B. As explained in further detail below, a user may adjust thetension of the upper foot tensioning members 30A and 30B and then securethe tabs 32A and 32B to the outer shell 13 in order to apply acontinuing compressive force to the foot.

With particular reference to FIG. 2A-FIG. 2B in conjunction with FIG. 7and FIG. 8, the cleat 10 further includes a pair of tensioning straps50A and 50B. Each of the tensioning straps 50A and 50B has one endattached to the inner layer 12, and a second end attached to a pull tab52. As shown in FIG. 7, tensioning strap 50A has one end 54 attached tothe inner layer 12, and the tensioning strap 50A is routed underneaththe foot. A second tensioning strap 50B crosses the first tensioningstrap 50A, extends longitudinally from the heel 60, and terminates at apull tab 52. FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 7 show cleat 10 with twotensioning straps 50A and 50B. An alternative embodiment, however, mayonly use a single tensioning strap. The tensioning straps 50A and 50Bcrisscross and run substantially longitudinally along the ankle andlower leg and terminating with pull tabs 52A and 52B, respectively. Pulltabs 52A and 52B include a hook and loop fastener material thatcompliments the material on the outer surface of the upper foot tabs 32.While in the present embodiment, tensioning straps 50A and 50B are shownas attached in the vicinity of the midfoot and forefoot, an alternateembodiment includes adjustable attachment means, such as hook and loopfasteners, rather than permanent attachment.

In operation, the user first inserts a foot 14 inside the inner layer 12positioned in the foot cavity formed inside the sole 15 and upper 25.The foot 14 slides into the inner layer 12 and seats the heel of thefoot into the heel portion 60. When inserting the foot 14, tabs 18A-18B,22A-22B, 32A-32B and the pull tabs 52A-52B are disengaged fromcounterpart fastening locations. The user may then apply a compressiveforce to the foot 14 using one or more of the tensioning members 16 onthe cleat 10. In one embodiment, the user pulls forefoot tabs 18A and18B away from each other to apply a tensile force that tightens theforefoot tensioning members 16A and 16B. The user engages the forefoottab 18A-18B with the forefoot of the cleat 10 thus maintaining andlocking in the applied tension on the forefoot tensioning members16A-16B.

The user pulls midfoot tabs 22A and 22B away from each other to applyinga tensile force that tightens the midfoot tensioning members 20A and20B. The user then engages the midfoot tabs 22A and 22B with the midfootof the cleat 10 thus maintaining and locking in the applied tension onthe midfoot tensioning members 20A and 20B. The user pulls upper foottabs 32A and 32B away from each other to apply a tensile force thattightens the upper foot tensioning members 30A and 30B. The user thenengages the upper foot tabs 32A and 32B with the upper foot of the cleat10 thus maintaining and locking in the applied tension on the upper foottensioning members 30A and 30B. The forefoot tensioning members 16A-16B,midfoot tensioning members 20A-20B, and the upper foot tensioningmembers 30A-30B may be tightened in any order.

Once tension has been applied to the tensioning members 16A-16B,20A-20B, and 30A-30B, the user uses pull tabs 52 to pull and apply atensile force to the tensioning straps 50. The user pulls the pull tabs52 to apply a selected tensile force to the tensioning straps 50A and50B, and engages pull tabs 52A and 52B with the upper foot tabs 32A and32B, respectively, to secure the tensioning straps 50A and 50B in theselected position. The result of the aforementioned tensioning enablesthe user to fully lock the cleat 10 about the foot and ankle region. Inan alternative embodiment, the tensioning straps 50A and 50B may havefastening material such as hook and loop material positioned on bothsides of the tensioning straps 50A and 50B. In this embodiment, the userpulls on tensioning straps 50A and 50B to apply compression to the foot14 prior to adjusting the upper foot tabs 32A and 32B.

When one of the tensioning members 16A-16B, 20A-20B, 30A-30B, and50A-50B inside of the outer shell 13 is tightened, the effective lengthof the tightened tensioning member inside of the outer shell 13decreases, and the effective length of the portion of the tensioningmember that extends through the outer shell 13 increases. The term“effective length” refers to the proportion of the length of one or moreof the tensioning members 16 that is either inside of or outside of theouter shell 13. As the effective length of one of the tensioning members16 increases inside the outer shell 13, the corresponding effectivelength decreases outside of the outer shell 13, and vice versa. Each ofthe tensioning members 16A-16B, 20A-20B, 30A-30B, and 50A-50B may beloosened as well as tightened. Each tensioning member may be loosenedwhen a corresponding tension adjustment member 18 for a tensioningmember 16 is detached from a corresponding attachment location of thecleat 10. The user may loosen the tensioning member and then engage thetab with a corresponding attachment location to maintain the appliedtension. When one of the tensioning members 16A-16B, 20A-20B, 30A-30B,and 50A-50B is loosened, the effective length of the loosened tensioningmember inside of the outer shell 13 increases, and the effective lengthof the portion of the tensioning member that extends through the outershell 13 decreases.

Article of Footwear with Support Members

With reference to FIG. 9-FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of anarticle of footwear 900 is disclosed that includes support members 100and 102. The support members 100 and 102 enable the footwear article 900to retain a predetermined shape and continue providing support to a footinserted in the footwear article 900 when the various tensioning membersdescribed above apply compression to the foot 14. The support members100 and 102 provide a stiffening force to the footwear article 900 toprevent the ankle and foot from rolling or spraining. The supportmembers 100 and 102 may be incorporated with any of the embodiments offootwear and modifications thereof that are described in thisapplication.

Footwear article 900 includes vertical supports 100 and horizontalsupports 102 shown in FIG. 9. Vertical supports 100 are oriented in asubstantially longitudinal direction with the ankle and lower leg of afoot inserted in the footwear article 900. The vertical supports 100 areintegrated into an inner layer of the footwear article 900 similar toinner layer 12 seen above. Vertical supports 100 originate proximate thebottom of the inner layer and run the length thereof. The verticalsupports 100 may be removable or permanently affixed to the inner layer.Additionally, the vertical supports may follow the contours of the foot.Additionally, the footwear article 900 may include horizontal supports102 that are oriented in a substantially longitudinal with the footinserted in the footwear article 900. The horizontal supports 102 may beoperably connected to the eyelets or lacing system 104 of the footweararticle 900 or to the tensioning members 16 described above.

As shown in FIG. 10, the vertical supports 100 and horizontal supports102 may be formed from one or more members formed from a polymer such asa thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. In the embodiment of FIG. 9and FIG. 10, the TPU forming the supports 100 and 102 is approximately 3mm thick, although different support configurations may have differentthicknesses. Vertical supports 100 have a lower end 105A near the soleof the footwear 900 with a wider width that tapers to a narrower widthat an upper end 105B proximate to the top of the footwear 900. The innerlayer 12 may further comprise a top layer 120 formed from a stretchablefabric material and a bottom layer 128 formed by an elastic material.The bottom layer 128 faces the foot, while the top 120 engages thetensioning members 16 and outer shell. The vertical support members 100and horizontal support members 102 are positioned between the top layer120 and bottom layer 128.

Article of Footwear with Tensioning Member Channels Over Support Members

FIG. 11 depicts another alternative embodiment of an article offootwear, depicted here as a partial cutaway view of a cleat 1100 thatincludes support members integrated with an inner layer 1112 andchannels such as channel 1140 to guide tensioning members 1130. Innerlayer 1112 is positioned inside of an outer shell 1113. Cleat 1100includes support members 1104 that are similar to the vertical supportmembers 100 seen in FIG. 9-10. As shown in FIG. 11, the cleat 1100 mayinclude one or more channels 1140 formed in the inner layer 1112 toenable movement of one or more of the tensioning members 16 describedabove. The inner layer 1112 further includes a top layer 1120 and bottomlayer 1128. Both the top layer 1120 and bottom layer 1128 are formedfrom a stretchable materials such as compression fabrics,polypropylenes, webbing, neoprene, elastane, synthetics, and the like.The channel 1140 is stitched into the top layer 1120 of the inner layer1112. The channel 1140 corresponds to the shape and configuration of oneof the tensioning members in the cleat 1110, exemplified by tensioningmember 1130. The tensioning member 1130 is arranged over one or more ofthe support members, such as vertical support 1100, and under thechannel 1140 in the top layer 1120. In operation, the channel 1140enables the tensioning member 1130 to tighten and loosen withoutinterference from the outer shell 1113. Multiple channels such aschannel 1140 may also prevent fouling or tangling of differenttensioning members in operation. While FIG. 11 depicts a cleat 1100 thatincludes vertical support members 1100, a similar embodiment may includevertical and horizontal support members as well.

Article of Footwear with Adjustable Stabilizing Members

In another alternative footwear embodiment, one or more adjustablestabilizing members are positioned within the footwear to provideadditional stability to one or more portions of a foot that is insertedin the footwear. FIG. 12A-FIG. 12E depict an inner layer 1212 offootwear 1200 that includes stabilizing members 1202 that providestability to portions of the foot. The stabilizing members 1202 and areheld in place using one or more tensioning members 1215, embodied hereas flexible straps 1208 and 1220A-1220B. The stabilizing members 1202are repositionable members placed between an inner layer 1212 and outerlayer (omitted for clarity) inside of the foot cavity of an article offootwear. Each stabilizing member 1202 is configured to conform to oneor more regions of the foot, such as the heel or ankle. One or more ofthe tensioning members 1215 engages each stabilizing member 1202 toenable the user to adjust the stabilizing member 1202 with respect to afoot in the footwear. One end of each tensioning member 1215 extendsoutside of the foot cavity and outer shell of the footwear, and may besecured in position after tension is applied. Thus, the user maytighten, loosen, or otherwise adjust the fit of each stabilizing member1202 to the foot by tightening and loosening a tension member 1215 in asimilar manner to the tensioning members 16 described above.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B depict an inner layer 1212, heel stabilizingmember 1204, and tensioning member 1208, seen here as a tensioningstrap. Heel stabilizing member 1204 has a shape that conforms to theheel 1260 of a foot placed in the inner layer 1212, and the stabilizingmember 1204 is positioned behind the heel. The heel stabilizing member1204 has a U-shaped configuration with a lower end 1206 positioned atthe base of the heel 1260 and two upper ends 1207A and 1207B that extendtoward the ankle. Alternative configurations of the heel stabilizingmember 1204 may include different shapes that provide stability to theheel 1260.

The lower end 1260 is affixed to the inner layer 1212. The upper ends1207A and 1207B engage the tensioning member 1208 around the lateral andmedial sides of the posterior of the heel 1260. The tensioning member1208 may be fixedly attached to the upper ends 1207A and 1207B of thestabilizing member 1204, or may thread through openings formed in theupper ends 1207A and 1207B of the stabilizing member 1204.

The tensioning member 1208 includes one end 1232 that is attached to theinner layer 1212 under the sole of the foot. The length of thetensioning member 1208 may be fixedly attached or threaded through theends 1207A and 1207B of the stabilizing member 1204. A second end of thetensioning member 1236 may end in a tension adjustment member, such as atab or other attachment device that is configured to engage a fasteningpad or other fastening mechanism positioned on the outside of thefootwear in a similar manner to the embodiments of FIG. 1A-FIG. 8.

FIG. 12C-FIG. 12E depict two ankle stabilizing members 1216A and 1216Bthat conform to the medial side and lateral side, respectively, of anankle. Both of the ankle stabilizing members 1216A and 1216B are formedwith a U-shape. As seen in FIG. 12C and FIG. 12D, a curved end 1217A ofthe U-shaped stabilizing member 1216A is positioned to engage theposterior side of the medial malleolus 1218A. The curved end 1217A isaffixed to the inner layer 1212. The open ends 1219A and 1219B of thestabilizing member 1216A extend above and below the medial malleolus,respectively, toward the anterior of the foot. The end 1219A of theankle stabilizing member 1216A engages one end of a tensioning member1220A. The tensioning member 1220A has a length that extends outside ofthe article of footwear to a second end. The user may pull on the secondend of the tensioning member 1220A or on a tension adjustment memberaffixed thereto in order to adjust the ankle stabilizing member 1216A.The end 1219B of the ankle stabilizing member 1216A engages a strap 1207that is affixed to the lateral side of the inner layer 1212.

As seen in FIG. 12C and FIG. 12E, a curved end 1217B of the U-shapedankle stabilizing member 1216B is positioned to engage the posteriorside of the lateral malleolus 1218B. The curved end 1217B is affixed tothe inner layer 1212. The open ends 1221A and 1221B of the stabilizingmember 1216B extend above and below the lateral malleolus, respectively,toward the anterior of the foot. The end 1221A of the ankle stabilizingmember 1216A engages one end of a tensioning member 1220B. Thetensioning member 1220B has a length that extends outside of the articleof footwear to a second end. The user may pull on the second end of thetensioning member 1220B or on a tension adjustment member affixedthereto in order to adjust the ankle stabilizing member 1216B. The end1221B of the ankle stabilizing member 1216B engages a strap 1205 that isaffixed to the medial side of the inner layer 1212.

In a finished article of footwear, an outer shell, omitted in FIG.12A-FIG. 12E for clarity, encloses the stabilizing members 1204, 1216Aand 1216B. The stabilizing members 1204, 1216A, and 1216B are notdirectly attached to the outer shell to enable adjustment of thesemi-rigid members. The stabilizing members 1204, 1216A, and 1216B areeach formed from one or more semi-rigid materials to enable thestabilizing members to conform to the foot and ankle while resistingankle rolls and other movements that may cause injuries. As used herein,the term “semi-rigid” refers to a material that resists deformationunder stress, but deforms in response to a sufficient force and thenreturns to an un-deformed state when the force is removed. Commonexamples of semi-rigid materials include polymeric materials such aspolyimides and thermoplastics. The stabilizing members depicted in FIG.12A-12E may be incorporated into any of the footwear embodiments andmodifications thereof described in this application.

In operation, a user inserts the foot inside the inner layer 1212located in the foot cavity to enable the heel 1260 to engage thestabilizing member 1204 and the ankle to engage the stabilizing members1216A and 1216B. The user may first apply a selected tensioning force tothe end of the tensioning member 1208 that extends outside of thefootwear to draw the stabilizing member 1204 into further engagementwith the heel 1260 to provide support to the heel 1260 when wearing thefootwear. As described above, the tensioning member 1208 may betightened or loosened to increase or decrease, respectively, thetightness of the stabilizing member 1204 with respect to the foot. Thetensioning member 1208 is secured to an outer shell of the footwear in asimilar manner to the embodiments of FIG. 1-FIG. 8 to retain thestabilizing member 1204 in the selected position.

After adjusting the tensioning member 1208 and associated heelstabilizing member 1204, the user may then adjust the tensioning members1220A and 1220B that engage ankle stabilizing members 1216A and 1216B,respectively. To accomplish this, the user applies a selected tensioningforce to the ends of tensioning members 1220A and 1220B that extendoutside of the footwear and secures them to the outer shell to engagethe stabilizing members 1216A and 1216B, respectively, to the ankle. Theforegoing description does not limit the order of adjusting thetensioning members 1215 and stabilization members 1202. The user mayadjust the tensioning members 1208, 1220A, and 1220B and correspondingstabilization members 1204, 1216A and 1216B in any order.

The stabilizing members 1204, 1216A, and 1216B provide additionalsupport to the heel and ankle. The tensioning members 1215 enable a userto adjust the stabilizing members 1202 to conform to the foot and anklewhile wearing the footwear. While the foregoing embodiments depictstabilizing members 1202 engaging the heel and ankle regions of thefoot, alternative embodiments may have stabilizing members for one ofthe heel and ankle, and may include similar stabilizing members thatengage other areas of the foot.

Article of Footwear with a Locking Strap

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cleat 90 thatincludes a locking strap 96 for securing a tensioning strap 92 in placeafter a user adjusts the tensioning strap to apply compression to a footinserted into the cleat 90. Cleat 90 includes tensioning strap 92positioned in the foot cavity, shown here in a partial cutaway view,that is attached at an attachment point 94 in proximity to the forefootor midfoot region of the cleat 90. Cleat 90 also includes a lockingstrap 96 positioned on an outer shell 95 of the cleat 90. The lockingstrap 96 includes a first end that is affixed to the outer shell 95. Thelocking strap 96 wraps around the ankle region of a foot inserted intothe cleat 90, to surround an end of the tensioning strap 92 or atensioning member affixed to the end of the tensioning strap 92 thatextends out of the outer shell 95. A second end 97 of the locking strap96 is configured to be releasably secured to another portion of thelocking strap 96 using a hook and loop material. Alternative embodimentsmay include various other fastening mechanisms that secure the secondend 97 of the locking strap 96 in place.

The cleat 90 also includes a toe guard 98. Toe guard 98 may comprise amaterial with an increased resistance to compression forces, such asthose experiences when a large load is placed thereupon. Such materialsexhibit a higher modulus of elasticity and include, but are not limitedto, Kevlar fibers, plastics, and the like.

In operation, a user first inserts a foot into cleat 90. The user thenpulls on an end of tensioning strap 92 that extends out of the outershell 95 to apply a tensile force to the tensioning strap 92. Suchapplication urges the heel of a foot inserted into the cleat 90 into theheel region 91 of the cleat 90. The heel region 91 may include anexternal support member 93 that engages with the posterior end of theheel. The end of the tensioning strap 92 is secured to the outer shell95 of the cleat 90 using a hook and loop type of engagement (althoughother known methods may also be used). The user then wraps locking strap96 around the ankle region of the foot and the end of the tensioningstrap 92. After the locking strap 96 is wrapped around the foot, theuser fastens the second end 97 of the locking strap. The locking strap96 enables the tensioning strap 92 to remain in a position with thetensile force applied after the user tightens the tensioning strap 92.

Article of Footwear with Serially Arranged Tensioning Members

FIG. 14 depicts four views of another embodiment of an article offootwear 1410 that includes tensioning members engaged in series withadjustment tabs. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, a first set of tensioningmembers 1420A engage the mid foot region extending from a midfoot flap1426 on the medial side of the footwear 1410 to a tab 1422 positioned onthe medial side of the footwear 1410. A second set of tensioning members1420B extend from the tab 1422 underneath the sole 1418 to another tab1424 that engages a fastening pad 1440A on the lateral side of thefootwear. In a similar arrangement, a first set of tensioning members1430A extend from a flap 1428 on the lateral side of the footwear 1410and extend to a first tab 1434 that may be secured to a fastening pad1444. A second set of tensioning members 1430B extend from the first tab1434 around the posterior of the ankle to another tab 1436 that issecured to the fastening pad 1444 on the lateral side of the foot. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 14, fastening pad 1444 wraps around the posteriorof the footwear 1410 to fasten flaps 1434 and 1436 on both the lateraland medial side of the footwear 1410. An alternative embodiment mayinclude separate fastening pads on the medial and lateral sides. Flaps1426 and 1428 may overlap each other.

In operation, a user inserts a foot into the footwear 1410. The usertightens tensioning members 1420A by pulling on the tab 1422, and thensecures the tab 1422 to a medial fastening pad 1440A. The user thentightens tensioning members 1420B by pulling on the tab 1424 andsecuring the tab 1424 to a lateral fastening pad 1440B. In a similarmanner, the user may adjust tab 1434 first followed by tab 1436 toadjust the tensioning members 1430A and 1430B, respectively. Themagnitude of compressive force applied to the foot by tensioning members1420A and 1430A may be different than the compressive force applied bytensioning members 1420B and 1430B, respectively. The configuration offootwear 1410 provides compression to the medial and lateral sides of afoot without a crisscross arrangement of the tensioning members 1430Aand 1430B.

Article of Footwear with Tensioning Members Affixed to a Strap

FIG. 15 depicts a medial and lateral view of another embodiment of anarticle of footwear 1510 that includes tensioning members that areattached to a strap. Footwear 1510 includes tensioning members 1520 thatare attached to an inner layer 1512 near the heel of the foot. Thetensioning members 1520 are attached to one end of a strap 1530 thatwraps around the ankle and is configured to be fastened to the footwear1510 at a location above the ankle. The strap 1530 is attached thetensioning members 1520 at a location between the inner layer 1512 andan outer shell 1513, with the other end of the strap 1530 extending tothe outside of the outer shell 1513. The strap 1530 has a width thatenables each of the tensioning members 1520 to be attached to one end ofthe strap 1530. The strap 1530 is positioned within a sleeve 1516 formedoutside of the inner layer 1512. The sleeve 1516 enables the strap 1530to be tightened and loosened in operation. The strap 1530 may beattached to tensioning members on either the medial or lateral side ofthe foot, and may wrap around the foot and ankle one or more times.

In operation, a user inserts a foot into the footwear 1510. The userpulls on the end of the strap 1530 that extends outside of the outershell 1513. The tensioning members 1520 apply a compressive force to theheel, and the strap 1520 applies a compressive force to the ankle. Thetensioning members 1520 are shown as engaging the heel, but may engagethe forefoot and midfoot regions as well.

Article of Footwear with Tensioning Strap and Support Members

FIG. 16 depicts another alternative embodiment of an article of footwear1610 including tensioning straps and a support member. Article offootwear 1610 has an inner layer 1612, with a strap 1616 that attachedto the lateral side of the inner layer 1612. The strap 1616 extends overthe fore foot region through a D-ring 1618 on the medial side of thefootwear 1610. The strap 1616 extends back to the lateral side of thefootwear 1610, where an end of the strap 1616 may be fastened to theexterior of the footwear 1610. A second strap 1622 includes one endattached to the upper edge of the sole 1620 around the forefoot,midfoot, and heel portions of the sole 1622. Strap 1622 extends aroundthe upper foot and wraps around the ankle in the footwear 1610. Thestrap 1622 includes one end 1624 that extends outside of an outer shellof the footwear 1610 to enable tightening and loosening of the strap1620.

Footwear 1610 includes one or more pockets 1628 formed in the innerlayer 1612. A support member, embodied herein as a nylon support member1632 is positioned within the pocket 1628. The pocket 1628 is configuredto enable the support member 1632 to move within the pocket 1628. In theexample of FIG. 16, the pocket 1628 is configured with a length and awidth that are 6 mm larger than the corresponding length and width ofthe support member 1632. Strap 1622 wraps around the pocket 1628 andsupport member 1632.

In operation, a user inserts a foot into the footwear 1610. The user maypull on straps 1616 and 1622 to apply compression to the forefoot,midfoot, heel, and ankle regions of the foot. Tension may be applied tothe straps 1616 and 1622 in any order. The support member 1632 may movewithin the pocket 1628 to provide support to the foot in differentorientations when wearing the footwear 1610.

Article of Footwear with Tensioning Strap Wrapped Around Foot

FIG. 17 depicts another alternative embodiment of an article of footwear1710 including a tensioning strap 1720 that is configured to pass underthe foot and around the ankle. Tensioning strap 1720 is attached to aninner layer 1712 of the footwear at a midfoot location 1724 on thelateral side of the footwear 1710. The tensioning strap 1720 extendshorizontally along the lateral side of the footwear 1710, wraps aroundthe medial side of the footwear 1710, and returns to the midfoot regionon the lateral side of the footwear 1710. The tensioning strap 1720further extends down the lateral side of the footwear 1710, under thefoot, and extends up the medial side of the footwear 1710 where an end1730 is positioned outside of an outer shell of the footwear 1710. Theend 1730 may be fastened to the outer shell of the footwear 1710.

In operation, a user inserts a foot into the footwear 1710. The user maypull on the strap 1720 to apply compression to the midfoot and ankleregions of the foot. In the embodiment of FIG. 17, a single strap 1720applies compression to both the medial and lateral sides of the foot.While the strap 1720 is depicted as being attached to the lateral sideof the footwear 1710 and extending through the medial side of thefootwear 1710, and alternative configuration may arrange a tensioningstrap to extend from the medial side to the lateral side.

Article of Footwear with Internal Compression Wrap

FIGS. 18A-18C depict another alternative embodiment of an article offootwear 1810 including a sole 1815 connected to a shoe upper 1825 (notshown in FIG. 18A, see FIGS. 18B and 18C), and an elastic wrap member1830 positioned within the foot cavity. In this embodiment, the sole1815 is provided as a cleat, and the shoe upper 1825 is provided in theform of an athletic boot. The elastic wrap member 1830 is provided as asheet of stretchable material within the foot cavity which acts as acradle member to partially surround the foot 1899 of the wearer andprovide compression to the foot 1899 of the wearer.

The elastic wrap member 1830 is comprised of an elastic fabric materialsimilar to that commonly found in traditional ankle wraps. The materialused to form the elastic wrap member 1830 includes a resilientstretchable component that allows the elastic wrap member 1830 to bestretched around a wearer's foot when tightened within the foot cavity,and then spring back to its original shape when loosened within the footcavity. Accordingly, the elastic material may be provided as a wovenfabric material that includes elastane or other elastic fibers. Theelastic material may also include non-elastic fibers or less elasticfibers such as polyester, nylon or cotton fibers.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 18A-18C the elastic wrap member 1830 islocated in an ankle region 1850 of the article of footwear 1810. Inparticular, the elastic wrap member 1830 is positioned within the footcavity such that a lower edge 1832 of the elastic wrap member 1830 islocated in a heel region 1852 of the article of footwear 1810. Theelastic wrap member 1830 extends up from the heel region 1852, over theankle region 1850, and to a top edge 1854 of the article of footwear1810. Accordingly, the elastic wrap member 1830 at least partially orcompletely covers the ankle of the wearer when the wearer's foot 1899 ispositioned within the article of footwear.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 18A-18C, the elastic wrap member 1830includes a generally cradle portion 1840 and adjustable edges 1848. Thecradle portion 1840 forms a C-shaped cylindrical member that extendsalong the interior of the shoe upper 1825. The cradle portion 1840includes a main body 1842 that is generally free-floating within thefoot cavity and therefore generally separate from the shoe upper 1825.However, although the main body 1842 is generally separate from the shoeupper 1825, relatively small sections of the cradle portion 1840 may befastened to the shoe upper 1825 at various locations, including along aforward seam 1844 that runs along the tongue slot on the shoe upper1825. In other embodiments, additional portions of the main body 1842 ofthe cradle portion 1840 may also be fastened to the shoe upper 1825 inaddition to the forward seam 1844. For example, as best shown in FIG.18C, the main body 1842 of the cradle portion 1840 may be connected tothe shoe upper 1825 along a vertical seam 1846 in the rear of the shoeupper 1825. These seams 1846, 1844 that fasten the cradle portion 1840to the shoe upper 1825 may be provided using any of various means, suchas stitching, adhesives, or other fastening means. However, even withthe seams 1842, 1844, most of the main body 1842 of the cradle portion1840 remains generally free-floating and moveable relative to the shoeupper 1825. This includes the portions between the vertical seam 1846and the forward seam 1844 of the cradle portion 1840. Becausesubstantial portions of the main body 1842 are free-floating relative tothe shoe upper 1825, the cradle portion 1840 may be tightly wrappedaround the foot 1899 of the wearer even if the shoe upper is not astightly wrapped around the foot 1899.

The adjustable edges 1848 of the elastic wrap member 1830 are generallyconnected to the portion of the shoe upper 1825 that includes theshoelace eyelets 1828 for the article of footwear 1810. Accordingly, theadjustable edges 1848 of the elastic wrap member 1830 may be connectedto the shoe upper 1825 along the above-mentioned forward seams 1842.However, in other embodiments, the adjustable edges 1848 may be coupledto other portions of the shoe upper, such as only the shoelace eyelets1828. As shown in FIG. 18A, the adjustable edges 1848 may include tabmembers 1849 that extend the elastic wrap member 1830 to the shoelaceeyelets 1828 on the shoe upper 1825. In some embodiments, the forwardseam 1844 of the cradle portion 1840 does not extend to the shoelaceeyelets 1828 on the shoe upper 1825, but may be fastened to other areason the shoe upper 1825. For example, the forward seam 1844 of the cradleportion 1840 may extend along the tongue slot 1829 or other line thatfollows the eyelets 1828 on the shoe upper 1825.

As described above, in the embodiment of FIGS. 18A-18C, the elastic wrapmember 1830 only partially surrounds the ankle of a wearer from the rearof the ankle (i.e., the Achilles tendon area) to a position forward ofthe ankle. For added support on the anterior portion of the ankle, thetongue 1890 may be provided as a thick padded member. For example, thetongue 1890 may be a custom molded open cell foam product that isflexible and provides cushioned support on the anterior portion of thefoot, as shown in FIG. 8A. In some embodiments, the tongue 1890 mayinclude various surface patterns or other features.

In operation, a wearer inserts his or her foot 1899 into the foot cavityof the article of footwear 1810 and pulls the ends of the shoe laces1826. This action draws the shoelace eyelets 1828 and related upperperimeter portions of the shoe upper 1825 together in a traditionalfashion. Because the elastic wrap member 1830 is coupled to the shoeupper along the eyelets or other upper perimeter portions, pulling theshoe laces 1826 also pulls the elastic wrap member 1830 around the foot1899 of the wearer, as illustrated by arrows 1833 in FIG. 18A. Thisresults in the elastic wrap member 1830 being drawn to a stretchedposition as indicated by dotted lines 1831 in FIG. 18A. Accordingly, theelastic wrap member 1830 provides a convenient ankle wrap or other footwrap that is integrated into the article of footwear 1810 without theneed for a separate wrap member.

With particular reference now to FIG. 18B, in at least one embodiment,the outer shell of the shoe upper 1825 includes a non-elastic portion1870 and an elastic portion 1880. A seam 1875 may be formed on thearticle of footwear 1810 where the elastic portion 1880 meets thenon-elastic portion 1870 of the shoe upper. The non-elastic portion 1870is formed from more traditional materials for a shoe upper, such asleather, synthetic leather, or a soft plastic material. The elasticportion 1880 of the shoe upper 1825 comprises an elastic material withresilient qualities, similar to the elastic wrap member 1830. In atleast one embodiment, the elastic portion 1880 is comprised of a foammaterial adhered to one or more layers of elastic fabric. For example,the elastic portion 1880 may include an open cell foam that issandwiched between two layers of stretch fabric comprised of elastane orother stretch material.

The non-elastic portion 1870 of the article of footwear is positioned ina midfoot region and a forefoot region of the shoe upper 1825. Theelastic portion 1880 is generally provided on the same portion of thearticle of footwear 1810 where the elastic wrap member 1830 is located(e.g., the ankle portion 1850). Because the elastic portion 1880 of theshoe upper 1825 is both flexible and elastic, the elastic portion 1880is allowed to more closely adhere to the foot 1899 of the wearer whenthe shoelaces 1826 are tightened on the article of footwear 1810.Moreover, the combination of the stretched elastic wrap member 1830 andthe tightened elastic portion 1880 of the shoe upper 1825 provides thewearer with a tight compression fit. In addition, because the relativelythick elastic portion 1880 of the shoe upper closely adheres to the footof the wearer, the wearer is also provided with a feeling of additionalsupport and soft flexible bulk than would be felt if only the elasticwrap member 1830 were closely adhered to the foot of the wearer.

Article of Footwear with Flexible Braces in Upper

FIGS. 19A-19F depict another alternative embodiment of an article offootwear 1910 including a sole 1915 connected to a shoe upper 1925 andtwo brace members 1930. In this embodiment, the sole 1915 is provided asa cleat, and the shoe upper 1925 is provided in the form of an athleticboot. The two brace members 1930 include a lateral brace member 1932 anda medial brace member 1934.

As best shown in FIGS. 19A and 19D-19F, each brace member 1930 includesa base portion 1940, a central shaft portion 1950 (which may also bereferred to herein as a stem 1950), and a top plate 1960, which togetherform a single integral component (i.e., a unitary component withinseparable sections that are integrally formed). The brace members 1930may be formed using any of various conventional manufacturing methods,such as injection molding. Each brace member 1930 is comprised of arelatively hard and non-elastic, yet resilient material, such as nylon,or other polymer material. As explained in further detail below, thismaterial allows each brace member 1930 to provide support to the foot1999 of the wearer, deform when a substantial force is applied to thebrace member, and then resiliently return to the original shape when theforce is removed.

The base portion 1940 of the brace member 1930 is a plate-like structurewith a triangular shape. A flange 1942 is provided near the bottom ofthe base portion 1940. The flange 1942 is configured to fit under theinsole of the article of footwear 1910 to provide a foundation for thebrace member 1930. The base portion 1940 extends upward from the flange1942 to an apex 1944. As best shown in FIG. 19A, the apex 1944 islocated at a position above the heel and below the ankle on the foot1999 of the wearer. An inner face 1946 and an opposing outer face 1948are defined between the flange 1942 and the apex 1944. The apex 1944 ofthe base portion 1940 feeds into and merges with the stem 1950.

The stem 1950 of the brace member 1930 is a curved rod-like structurethat begins at the apex 1944 of the base portion 1940 and extendsrearward and upward toward a dorsal inflection point 1952 located to therear of the ankle of the wearer. From this inflection point 1952, thestem 1950 extends forward and upward until it feeds into the top plate1960. Accordingly, the stem 1940 provides a C-shaped rod that curvesaround the rear of the ankle of the wearer. The stem 1950 is wider atthe inflection point 1952 than at other locations on the brace. Thus, asmeasured in the lateral direction of the foot 1999, the brace member1930 is widest at the inflection point 1952 of the stem 1950, andgradually tapers upward and downward from the inflection point 1952 tothe thinnest areas that merge with the base 1940 and the top plate 1960.While the brace member 1930 is widest in the lateral direction at thisinflection point 1952, it will be recognized that the brace member 1930is deeper at the base 1940 and the top plate 1960 than at the stem 1950(i.e., the brace 1930 has a greater length in the direction from toe toheel of the foot 1999 at the base 1940 and top plate 1960 than at thestem 1950). As explained in further detail below, this configurationallows the brace member 1930 to bend/pivot in a forward direction (asindicated by arrow 1933 of FIGS. 19A and 19D) about the inflection point1952.

The top plate 1960 of the brace member 1930 is triangular in shape andincludes a curved upper edge 1962, an inner face 1966, and an oppositeouter face 1968. The inner face 1966 provides a generally flat supportsurface that faces the lower leg/foot of the wearer and provides supportto the lower leg/foot of the wearer when lateral forces act against thetop plate 1960.

With reference now to FIGS. 19B and 19C, the brace members 1930 areconfigured to fit within closed pockets 1927 in the shoe upper 1925 (seeFIGS. 19B and 19C). The pockets 1927 are not open to the foot cavity orthe exterior of the article of footwear 1910. Accordingly, the bracemembers 1930 are embedded between an interior and exterior layers of theshoe upper 1925 where the pockets 1927 are formed. FIG. 19B shows theshoe upper 1925 with the exterior layer 1929 that forms the outside ofone of the pockets 1927. FIG. 19C shows the exterior layer 1929 astransparent such that the pocket 1927 is exposed with the brace member1930 in the pocket. Because the brace members 1930 are completelyenclosed within the pockets 1927, the foot 1999 of the wearer is not indirect contact with the brace members 1930. Additionally, the innerwalls of the foot cavity may include padding along the pockets 1927 tocushion the foot of the wearer from the relatively hard brace members1930.

With reference again to FIG. 19A, in an alternative embodiment, thearticle of footwear 1910 may include support belts 1970. The supportbelts 1970 are positioned within the support cavity and are comprised ofa generally inelastic woven material, such as a woven polyester or nylonmaterial. One end 1972 of each support belt 1970 is fastened to the topplate 1960 and an opposite end 1974 of the support belt 1970 is coupledto some portion of the upper 1925, such as the eyelets 1928 of thearticle of footwear 1910. A slot (not shown) may be formed on the innerlayer of the shoe upper 1925 that allows the support belt 1970 to extendthrough the inner layer of the shoe upper and be fastened to the topplate 1960 of the brace member 1930. The support belt 1970 may befastened to the top plate 1960 using any of various means fasteningmeans, such as adhesives, welding or mechanical fasteners (e.g., rivets,screws, etc.). As shown in FIG. 19A, the support belts 1970 generallyextend downward from the top plate 1960 as a narrow strip of material,under the insole (and thus under the foot 1999), and back to a perimeterof the tongue slot 1929 (e.g., to the eyelets 1928). Thus, one end ofeach support belt 1970 is positioned on the lateral side of the articleof footwear 1910, and the opposite side of the support belt ispositioned on the medial side of the article of footwear 1910.

In operation, the brace members 1930 prevent unnatural lateral twistingof the ankle, but allow for natural forward pivoting of the ankle (suchas that experienced during walking or running). In particular, theC-shaped structure of the stem 1950 allows the brace member 1930 toeasily bend forward in the direction of arrow 1933 (see FIGS. 19A and19D), when the wearer walks or runs. This forward bending action isprimarily experienced at the inflection point 1952, which is the pointat which the brace member 1930 is designed to bend. After bendingforward, the resilient nature of the brace member 1930 allows the stem1950 to return to its equilibrium position, as shown in FIG, 19A. Thus,the brace member 1930 has very little impact on the foot 1999 of thewearer during natural running or walking motions.

On the other hand, when the wearer experiences an unnatural twisting ofthe ankle (causing the brace member 1930 to experience forces in thedirection of arrow 1935 of FIG. 19A), the brace member 1930 providessupport to the foot of the wearer and helps prevent extreme twisting ofthe ankle. In particular, when the ankle begins to twist in a lateral ormedial direction, the leg of the wearer presses against the top plate1960. However, the brace member 1930 is not designed to easily bend inthe lateral or medial direction. Instead, the brace member 1930 is onlydesigned to easily bend in a forward direction 1933 at the inflectionpoint 1952. The width and shape of the brace member 1930 at theinflection point 1952 means that the brace member 1930 significantlyresists lateral bending (in the direction of arrow 1935). This resultsin an opposing force against the leg of the wearer when the ankle beginsto twist. If this opposing force is strong enough, the wearer may avoidor reduce the severity of an ankle sprain from lateral or medialtwisting of the ankle.

Although the present invention has been described with respect tocertain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of skillin the art that other implementations and adaptations are possible.Moreover, there are advantages to individual advancements describedherein that may be obtained without incorporating other aspectsdescribed above. Therefore, the spirit and scope of any appended claimsshould not be limited to the description of the preferred embodimentscontained herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of footwear comprising: a sole; anupper defining a foot cavity, the upper including an ankle portion and aheel portion with a pocket extending between the heel portion and theankle portion; and a brace member comprised of a non-elastic resilientmaterial positioned within the pocket in the upper, the brace memberextending from the heel portion to above the ankle portion of the upper.2. The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein the brace member includesa top portion and a bottom portion with a central shaft portionextending between the top portion and the bottom portion.
 3. The articleof footwear of claim 2 wherein the central shaft portion is a C-shapedshaft.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 3 wherein the C-shaped shaftextends around a dorsal side of the ankle portion.
 5. The article offootwear of claim 3 wherein the C-shaped shaft includes an inflectionpoint that is wider than other portions of the C-shaped shaft.
 6. Thearticle of footwear of claim 2 wherein top portion is a top plate memberand the bottom portion is a base plate member.
 7. The article offootwear of claim 6 wherein the base plate member includes a flangeconfigured to fit under an insole on the article of footwear.
 8. Thearticle of footwear of claim 2 wherein the brace member is a unitarycomponent on the article of footwear.
 9. The article of footwear ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one support belt positioned in thefoot cavity, wherein one end of the support belt is coupled to the bracemember.
 10. The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein the shoe upper isconfigured as a boot.
 11. An article of footwear configured to receive afoot of a wearer, the article of footwear comprising: a sole; an upperdefining a foot cavity configured to receive the foot of the wearer; anda brace member retained by the upper, the brace member comprised of anon-elastic resilient material, the brace member positioned on the uppersuch that the brace member extends from a position below the an ankle ofthe wearer when the foot of the wearer is in the foot cavity, around adorsal side of the ankle of the wearer, and above the ankle of thewearer.
 12. The article of footwear of claim 11 wherein the brace memberincludes a top portion at the position above the ankle of the wearer, abottom portion at the position below the ankle of the wearer, and acentral shaft portion extending between the top portion and the bottomportion.
 13. The article of footwear of claim 12 wherein the centralshaft portion is curved to provide a C-shaped shaft.
 14. The article offootwear of claim 13 wherein the C-shaped shaft includes an inflectionpoint that is wider than other portions of the C-shaped shaft.
 15. Thearticle of footwear of claim 12 wherein top portion is a top platemember and the bottom portion is a base plate member.
 16. The article offootwear of claim 15 wherein the base plate member includes a flangeconfigured to fit between the sole and an insole on the article offootwear.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 11 wherein the bracemember is a unitary component on the article of footwear.
 18. Thearticle of footwear of claim 11 further comprising at least one supportbelt positioned in the foot cavity, wherein one end of the support beltis coupled to the brace member.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 1wherein the sole includes a plurality of projections such that thearticle of footwear is provided as a cleat.